Updated for 2026

Nevada NV DMV (Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles)

Comprehensive study guide for the 2026 driver's knowledge exam. Everything you need to know about laws, fees, and requirements.

Total Questions

Passing Score

Standard Fee

$25.00 (Testing Fee) + $41.25 (License Fee for 8 years)

Testing System

touchscreen computer / Online 'KnowToDrive' (at home)

Critical Failure Factors

A leading cause of failure in Nevada is the strict enforcement of School Zone laws (speeding or making a U-turn results in an automatic fail). Additionally, failing to check blind spots ('head check') before changing lanes and hitting the curb during parallel parking are common critical errors.

Legal Statutes & Driving Codes

Nevada traffic laws are enforced under the Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS), with some of the most specific and strictly enforced School Zone regulations in the country. A critical law for all drivers is the absolute prohibition of U-turns in school zones (NRS 484B.363). It is illegal to make a U-turn or pass another vehicle in a school zone or school crossing zone during posted hours (usually 30 minutes before/after school) or whenever lights are flashing. Unlike many states where school zones are 20 mph, Nevada school zones can be 15 mph or 25 mph depending on the street, and fines for speeding are doubled. Recent legislation (AB 527) has authorized automated traffic cameras to enforce these zones aggressively starting in 2025. Nevada also enforces a robust 'Move Over Law'. Drivers approaching any stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, or Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) vehicle displaying flashing lights must decrease speed below the posted limit and, if possible, move to a lane not adjacent to the stopped vehicle. For teen drivers, the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system requires holding a permit for 6 months and logging 50 hours of driving (10 at night). A unique Nevada requirement is the 'School Attendance' rule: drivers under 18 must submit a DMV 301 form signed by a school official proving they meet attendance standards; truancy can lead to license suspension. The intermediate license curfew prohibits driving between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, which is earlier than many neighboring states. Passenger restrictions for the first 6 months forbid transporting any passenger under 18 unless they are immediate family. Furthermore, Nevada is a strict 'Hands-Free' state; holding a phone to talk or text is a primary offense. Finally, U-turns are generally permitted at intersections unless a sign prohibits them, but they must be made from the far-left lane into the far-left lane (unlike some states that allow turning into any lane).

Statistical Realities

Driving in Nevada presents extreme environmental challenges that differ vastly between the Las Vegas strip and the rural desert highways. A critical fact for the driving test—and daily survival—is heat management. In summer, pavement temperatures can exceed 160°F. The DMV manual and test often reference tire safety, as extreme heat increases the risk of tire blowouts (tread separation) significantly. Drivers are advised to check tire pressure frequently. Another unique aspect of the Nevada road test is that examiners are notorious for taking applicants through not one, but up to three different school zones during a single exam to test awareness of variable speed limits (15 vs 25 mph). Failing to notice a 'School Zone End' sign and speeding up too early is an instant fail. Nevada also allows for 'Online Knowledge Testing' via the 'KnowToDrive' platform, allowing you to take the permit test from home, which is a modern convenience not found in all states. However, the road test must be done in your own vehicle, and vehicle inspection is rigorous; if your air conditioning is broken during a summer test, an examiner has the right to refuse the test for safety reasons. Statistically, Las Vegas intersections are high-risk areas for pedestrians; Nevada has a specific law that drivers must stop for pedestrians not just when they are in the driver's half of the road, but if the pedestrian is approaching from the adjacent lane. Be aware of 'HOV' lanes (High Occupancy Vehicle) in Las Vegas; unlike some states with specific hours, many HOV lanes in Nevada are 24/7 enforcement. Also, the desert environment creates 'Flash Flood' risks; it is illegal to drive around barricades at flooded washes, and doing so makes you liable for rescue costs (similar to Arizona's Stupid Motorist Law). Finally, the 'Real ID' deadline is a major focus in Nevada; a gold star on your license is required for domestic flights starting May 2025, and the DMV requires proof of all name changes (marriage certificates, etc.) to issue it.